Senate Confirms Work as DoD Deputy Secretary

Apr. 30, 2014 - 03:45AM
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Robert Work (Kaveh Sardari / Center for a New American Security)

WASHINGTON — The US Senate late Wednesday confirmed Robert Work as deputy defense secretary.

The chamber approved Work’s nomination by a voice vote, nearly three months after he was nominated by President Barack Obama.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, in a statement, said: “I welcome the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Robert Work to serve as our next deputy secretary of defense. Bob is an admired and tested leader, with a distinguished career of public service, including during his time as an officer in the Marine Corps and as undersecretary of the Navy. He brings to this position a depth of experience, knowledge, and expertise that will greatly benefit the Department of Defense. I look forward to working closely with Bob to strengthen our defense enterprise and help safeguard America’s security.”

Christine Fox has been serving as the acting deputy secretary since December.

“All of us at DoD owe a deep debt to Christine Fox, who stepped in to serve as the acting deputy secretary of defense during this period of transition,” Hagel said. “I am grateful to Christine for her wise counsel, steady leadership, and her constant dedication to our men and women in uniform. She will be greatly missed.”

Work, a former Navy undersecretary and Marine Corps officer, was serving as the CEO of the Center for a New American Security think tank for the past year.

“My year serving as the Chief Executive Officer of CNAS has been one of the most rewarding of my professional career,” Work said in a statement issued by CNAS. “I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to lead such a truly unique, bipartisan ‘idea tank.’ The Center’s staff, Board of Directors, and Board of Advisors are among the most talented group of people I know, and an endless source of innovative, cutting edge ideas. I learned a ton while being here. I was also endlessly amazed and uplifted by the collaborative nature of the Center, which is both inspiring and rewarding to be a part of. I will miss everyone who is part of the extended CNAS family, and the vibrant spirit of the organization.”